Recommended by the Department of Assets and Infrastructure, the agreement with the Fort Washington-based Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. would integrate a new energy savings program, expected to save taxpayers money throughout the life of the contract — though it is unclear how much money.

“We spend about $600,000 a year in the courthouse, on energy. The energy savings contract would save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and those savings would be able to pay for it,” said Kenneth Starr, director of the Department of Assets and Infrastructure.

“These measures improve building automation controls, lighting upgrades, cleaning the ducts within the building, sealing the envelope (of the building). So, we’re just trying to keep on fighting the good fight of energy conservation.”

Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. says it will provide consulting servings to design, install, operate, maintain and finance energy conservation and other improvements within the county courthouse.

In total, the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued to 33 providers. Three responses were received.

Starr said the company he recommended has done many contracts throughout the state, including projects within the state Capitol.

“They come in and do a full audit of the building. They know exactly how we are wasting energy and they design a system that will capture all that waste and create savings. They know, almost to the dollar, and will actually guarantee a set amount, for every year in savings. We’re not going to do a project if the amount of savings doesn’t equal — more likely — exceed the amount of the cost of the project over the life of (the contract).”

Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro said he was also pleased with the purchase.

“Ultimately, we will realize significant savings right away. So, we’ll see some of that, in terms of dollar savings, but a lot of that will be in terms of environmental energy savings,” he said.

“As time goes on, our dollar savings will grow as the contract is paid off. This is an important initiative and I think this is big news for Montgomery County. It demonstrates our commitment, not just to the environment, but in finding ways to control our costs by reducing the overall energy consumption costs, and at the same time, not having it impact negatively on the program we provide for our constituents.”